Fashion

Reduce Tension: 5 Ways to Instantly Feel Better

From a sanity-preserving stroll to a quick and easy head massage, here are five ways to calm your anxiety while weathering this election cycle….

It’s no exaggeration: This is the most important election of our lifetime. And as the results remain uncertain, many of us are feeling excruciating stress and tension in our minds and bodies alike. What to do in a state of nerves amid a chorus of “too close to calls” and President Donald Trump’s mind-numbing tweets? From a sanity-preserving stroll to a quick and easy head massage, here are five ways to calm your anxiety and reduce tension while weathering the final stretch of the election.

Go for a Sanity Walk

In lockdown, sanity walks became a lifeline for many, offering fresh air, an excuse to get moving, and most importantly, a break from internal chaos. During this tumultuous time, do not underestimate the benefits a quick stroll outside can offer, including improving mental clarity, boosting your mood, and helping release tension—particularity if you have proximity to nature. According to a recent study, walking in nature was found to reduce ruminating over negative experiences.

Do a Breathwork Exercise

Of course, at a time like this, being told to “just breathe” can feel insultingly simple. But to gather your thoughts and cleanse your mind, breathwork, an active meditation that involves guided breath, pulled in and out of the mouth for extended intervals, has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones and soothe the nervous system. According to Los Angeles–based meditation coach Light Watkins, if you’re anxious or overwhelmed, sitting down and taking 10 deep breaths over a period of two to three minutes will create a noticeable shift in your state of consciousness.

Get Up and Stretch

Whether it’s a special yoga sequence or a mode of dynamic stretching such as foam rolling, elongating muscles in a slow, controlled manner is a robust way to reduce tension in the body. “When muscles stay contracted, fascia can lose its elasticity, leaving you feeling tight, stiff, and tired,” says Maya Jocelyn, founder of Brooklyn-based holistic health and arts center Studio Maya, adding that myofascial release increases blood flow to the muscles and gives a gentle stretch to connective tissue, which can “help you feel more open, free, and energized.”

Give Yourself a Head Massage

The best salve for a dizzying amount of push notifications? A restorative head massage. “It helps release tension that we often store in our scalp,” explains Tomoko Shima, the founder of New York City head spa Tomoko Shima Salon. “It can often be seen when people raise their eyebrows or bring their eyebrows together—this reflects the tension that we are hoping to release.” Whether it’s just with your fingertips, or with help from a scalp brush, gently kneading the scalp, temples, and neck for a few minutes can help melt away stress and tension in minutes.

Reach for a Calming Scent

Scent is highly individual, so reaching for your go-to, mood-boosting fragrance, essential oil, or scented candle is a fail-proof way to stay more calm and grounded. But if you want a science-backed strategy, look to scents with known calming properties, such as lemon and lavender, to help you get through the mounting anticipation.

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Artist Spotlight

Lizzo Stuns in Fishnet Glam, Embracing Confidence and TV Fandom

Lizzo is again serving looks and unapologetic confidence, taking to Instagram to show off her stunning weight loss in a bold and fashionable style. Rocking a short plaid skirt, a sleek black top, and fishnet tights, the chart-topping singer gave fans a glimpse of her glowing confidence and evolving fashion sense. But it wasn’t just the outfit that had people talking, it was Lizzo’s witty caption that added her signature flair. “Devour feculence,” she wrote, cheekily referencing a standout moment from Severance, the mind-bending series that has clearly left an impression on the star.

Fans flooded the comments with praise, celebrating her radiant appearance and her love for pop culture. “Love that reference! You look great!” one user raved, while another chimed in with admiration, “You look absolutely amazing, Lizzo.” But the self-love queen wasn’t done yet. In true Lizzo fashion, she kept the energy going with another playful post. This time, she rocked a black t-shirt and matching underwear, embracing her curves and flashing a confident smile. With humor at the forefront, she captioned the shot, “Me, myself & all my memes: (I still haven’t seen the season finale of Severance).”

The lighthearted self-roast resonated with her followers, many of whom praised her for celebrating both her body and her interests. Lizzo’s openness has always been a core part of her brand. From advocating for body positivity to promoting mental well-being, the “Good as Hell” singer continuously inspires fans to embrace themselves fully. Her recent posts are a reflection of that journey, one where self-love and joy are celebrated without reservation. And while some may be eager to dissect her weight loss, Lizzo’s focus remains on her happiness and self-expression.

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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